Shopkeepers in Mavelikkara toy with pricey biobag after plastic ban

Ecofriendly 'Bio-plasto bag' arrives in Mavelikkara town
Most of the business establishments in Mavelikkara town are now using this carry bag, which its makers claim, is "100 per cent compostable" and ecofriendly.

Mavelikkara: Shopkeepers in this town in Kerala's Alappuzha district are trying to cope with the enforcement of plastic ban in the state. Though they have commenced using a Tamil Nadu-made carry bag that has arrived in the market, sale of plastic ones are reportedly still rampant.

Most of the business establishments in Mavelikkara town are now using this new alternative, named Bio-plasto bag, made in Sriperumbudur in the neighbouring state. One kilogram comprising 110 bags is sold to traders at Rs 425. 

As each of these bags costs around Rs 4, it is yet to be used widely by bakeries and stationery shops in the town. Its makers claim it is “100 per cent compostable” and ecofriendly. A QR code is marked on the bags.  

Merchants’ plea

At the same time, the merchants’ organisation in the town urged the authorities to allow its members to use the plastic carry bags in their possession till the stock is exhausted.

No fine should be imposed on traders giving away plastic covers they had bought before the ban came into force, the town unit of the Kerala Vyapari-Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithy demanded.  

All merchants have been directed to minimise the use of plastic. No trader is now purchasing plastic carry bags, claimed Mathew Verghese and Ajith Kandiyoor, the the office-bearers of the Samithy.

Remarkably, a majority of the fish sellers in Mavelikkara no longer use plastic covers as most of the customers bring their own bags.

The authorities, however, have decided to intensify inspections within the Mavelikkara municipal limits after receiving complaints that plastic carry bags are still being sold.

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